Baltimore, MD 21207
1-888-4KERNAN (453-7626)
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Spine Physicians
University of Maryland School of Medicine Faculty Physicians
Kornelis A. Poelstra, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics
Dr. Poelstra came to Baltimore from Philadelphia where he completed his orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University - The Rothman Institute.
Educated in the Netherlands, Dr. Poelstra received both his medical degree and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Groningen. He came to the United States in 1998 to complete a research fellowship in Herndon, Virginia focusing on immunoglobulins to reduce post-operative infections. This was followed by a Masters program at the University of Virginia (UVA) in "Science in Surgery." He then went on to complete a residency in orthopaedic surgery at UVA followed by the fellowship in spine surgery.
One of Dr. Poelstra's research interests includes the investigation of novel therapeutics to prevent and improve treatment of infections associated with surgical procedures and implants. He has published multiple basic science texts, chapters and clinical articles on this, as well as the treatment of spinal cord injuries and procedures to improve the care for patients with spinal causes of arm and leg pain.
Dr. Poelstra's clinical practice includes all areas of the spine. He treats both traumatic and degenerative/arthritic conditions using conventional surgery, minimally-invasive procedures, disc replacements and oncologic conditions.